GSL
Forecast systems that deliver solutions

The Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology to support a Weather-Ready Nation.
GSL strives to advance its workforce scientifically, technically, and professionally. We are also committed to increased diversity equity, inclusion and accessibility as well as a strong foundation for career growth.
The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders.
Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.
GSL’s models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.
Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.
GSL’s weather models enable the energy industry to plan for the variable nature of wind and solar energy.
Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.
A veteran meteorologist with the National Weather Service has been selected to lead NOAA’s new Fire Weather Testbed.Zach Tolby, formerly a Senior Forecaster and Incident Meteorologist (IMET), at the Reno, Nevada Weather Forecast Office, was recently selected to be the first Manager and Lead Scientist of the Fire Weather Testbed,...
The NOAA National Weather Service and the greater meteorological community rely on high-quality observations to better understand the atmosphere, improve weather forecasts, and support warnings for hazardous weather events. GSL recently transferred the final versions of the flagship observation system, the Meteorological Assimilation and Data Ingest System (MADIS) to NOAA...
NOAA NWS forecasters are testing an experimental weather alert system called Threats In Motion (TIM). Threats in Motion lets forecasters create moving warning polygons for hazardous weather to alert the public in its path. The legacy warning system poses a challenge for forecasters when the hazardous weather appears to be...
GSL has a history of successfully transitioning atmospheric research into advanced products and services for weather operations.
Learn more about R2OWe are the leader in developing and evolving regional weather models. The Rapid Refresh, High-Resolution Rapid Refresh, and RAP Smoke are just a few.
Learn more about our modelsGSL is part of a major community effort to develop a coupled, comprehensive Earth modeling system.
Read how GSL supports the UFSLead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.